'I will devise a concrete action plan on my political approach' - Ambati Rayudu starts new innings, joins politics to serve the people

Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu, hailing from Andhra Pradesh, made an announcement on Wednesday, June 28, regarding his entry into politics. The 37-year-old former cricketer, who played his last match for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League finals on May 29, has been engaging in a tour of his native Guntur district. 

During his visit to Mutluru village in the Vatticherukuru block of the district, Rayudu said that he is planning to enter politics in Andhra Pradesh in order to serve the people. Prior to that, he has decided to extensively visit various areas within the district to gauge the public sentiment and understand their issues.

Rayudu expressed his intention to comprehend the needs of the people in the rural regions of Guntur and determine how he can contribute towards fulfilling them.

"I will devise a concrete action plan on my political approach and decide which platform to align with," Rayudu was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

Addressing the speculations about his potential candidacy in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from either the Guntur or Machilipatnam parliamentary constituency, the cricketer denied such claims.

Earlier, Rayudu visited the Mulankareshwari temple in Aminabad village, where he offered special prayers. Additionally, he paid visits to the Sai Baba Temple and Bala Yesu Church in Phirangipuram. During his visit to Mutlur village, Rayudu interacted with students at a local school and shared a meal with them. He took the opportunity to learn about the challenges faced by students in the schools.

While Rayudu has yet to disclose his political affiliation, his social media comments have sparked speculation that he may join the YSR Congress led by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. On April 19, Rayudu praised Andhra Pradesh's chief minister on Twitter for his speech in Naupada, Srikakulam district. He wrote, "Great speech by our chief minister @ysjagan garu. Everyone in the state has complete faith in you, sir."

Following Chennai Super Kings' victory in the IPL 2023, Rayudu met with the chief minister alongside the CSK management. He stated,

"Had a productive meeting with the honorable CM Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy garu, along with respected Rupa mam and the CSK management. We discussed the development of world-class sports infrastructure and education for the underprivileged. The government is formulating a robust program for the youth of our state."

Rayudu indirectly took a dig at opposition Telugu Desam Party president N. Chandrababu Naidu, suggesting that the construction of an Information Technology company's building in a particular location did not constitute genuine development.

When questioned about his visit to the Guntur district, Rayudu acknowledged meeting the chief minister previously but clarified that they had not discussed politics. He emphasized that his choice of platform would only be determined after thoroughly touring every village and town in Guntur.